The first year after the issue date of any USA patent anyone who can prove that
the patent was issued improperly can file an objection to that patent. If you
have proof that this process was used before the "application date" of the
issued patent you can have that patent invalidated. Sending a copy of this
proof to the attorney of the patent holder and the USPTO office will probably
put a stop to any legal issues the small shop owner doing that work has. Make
sure to file the objections before the 1 year filing date has passed.
DL